A uncommon kind of cancer called liposarcoma begins in the fat cells. Any portion of the body might experience it, although the limbs, abdomen, or retroperitoneum—the area behind the abdominal organs—are the most common locations. A lump beneath the skin, discomfort, or swelling can all be signs of liposarcoma. It may also impair the ability of the tissues or organs close to the tumor to function. Different subtypes of liposarcoma can be distinguished from one another by the way the tumor cells behave and look. Compared to other subtypes, some are more prone to spread and more aggressive. Although the precise etiology of liposarcoma is unknown, genetic abnormalities, chemical or radiation exposure, and trauma may be associated with the condition. Imaging studies along with a biopsy can be used to diagnose liposarcoma. Depending on the tumor's location, stage, and subtype, liposarcoma can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or targeted therapy. Although the prognosis for liposarcoma varies according to the tumor's subtype and stage, low-grade tumors that are surgically excised usually have a better prognosis. We'll talk about liposarcoma causes, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention in this blog article.
The exact cause of liposarcoma is not known, but it may involve several factors, such as:
Genetic mutations: Liposarcoma is caused by changes in the DNA of the fat cells that make them grow and divide abnormally. These mutations can be inherited from a parent or acquired during a person’s lifetime. Some of the genes that have been linked to liposarcoma are MDM2, CDK4, DDIT3, and FUS.
Exposure to radiation or chemicals: Liposarcoma may be associated with exposure to high doses of radiation or certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, dioxin, or herbicides, that can damage the DNA of the fat cells and increase the risk of cancer.
Trauma: Liposarcoma may develop in areas of the body that have been injured or inflamed, such as after surgery, infection, or injection.
Liposarcoma may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, but as the tumor grows, it may cause:
Pain, swelling, or a lump under the skin, especially in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
Difficulty moving or feeling the affected limb, due to the pressure or invasion of the tumor on the nerves, muscles, or bones.
Abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, due to the pressure or invasion of the tumor on the stomach, intestines, or other organs.
Weight loss, fatigue, fever, or night sweats, due to the effects of the tumor on the body’s metabolism or immune system.
Liposarcoma can be diagnosed by a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (oncologist) or the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin (orthopedist). The diagnosis may involve:
Medical history and physical examination: The physician will inquire about the patient's current medications or treatments, as well as the frequency, length, and nature of their symptoms, as well as any family or personal history of cancer or other disorders. In addition, the physician will assess the afflicted region and search for any indications of liposarcoma, including soreness, swelling, or lumps.
Biopsy: The doctor will take a small sample of tissue from the tumor and send it to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of liposarcoma and determine the subtype and grade of the tumor.
Imaging tests: The doctor may use imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, to get a detailed picture of the tumor and check for its size, location, and spread to other parts of the body.
The treatment of liposarcoma depends on the subtype, stage, and location of the tumor, and the overall health and preferences of the person. The main treatment options for liposarcoma are:
During surgery, the physician will attempt to remove the tumor and any surrounding healthy tissue in order to guarantee that no cancer cells remain. For the majority of liposarcoma kinds and stages, surgery is the primary treatment that can provide the highest chance of recovery or long-term life.
Radiation therapy: To destroy or reduce the tumor cells, the physician will employ high-energy rays or particles. Radiation therapy can be administered either before surgery, to shrink the tumor and facilitate its removal, or after surgery, to eradicate any cancer cells that may still be present and lower the chance of recurrence. Additionally, advanced or metastatic liposarcoma symptoms can be relieved and tumors that are not amenable to surgery can be treated using radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy: The doctor will prescribe medications that either destroy cancer cells or halt their development. The administration of chemotherapy may use oral, injectable, or infusion routes, contingent upon the specific medication type and liposarcoma type. Tumors that are big, high-grade, or have spread to other places of the body can all be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can also be used to prevent or postpone the recurrence of liposarcoma, or to decrease the tumor prior to surgery or radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy: The physician will provide medications that specifically target chemicals or pathways that contribute to the development and survival of tumor cells. Targeted treatment can be administered orally, intravenously, or by an infusion, based on the medication type and liposarcoma type. Tumors that have specific genetic abnormalities or characteristics, such as CDK4 overexpression or MDM2 amplification, that render them resistant to conventional therapies can be treated with targeted therapy. Large, high-grade tumors that have metastasized to other areas of the body can also be treated with targeted treatment.
There is no sure way to prevent liposarcoma, but some steps that may help reduce the risk or severity of the condition are:
By following safety precautions and donning protective gear, one can reduce or avoid exposure to radiation or chemicals that can harm fat cell DNA and raise the risk of cancer. Examples of these include vinyl chloride, dioxin, and herbicides. X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans should only be done when absolutely necessary by a doctor.
It is possible to enhance the health and function of fat cells and the immune system, as well as prevent inflammation and infection, by maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle that includes eating a balanced and nutritious food, exercising frequently, abstaining from smoking, and consuming little to no alcohol.
Visiting a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer or diseases affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and skin, as well as getting a biopsy and imaging tests as advised, in order to get regular check-ups and screenings for any indications of liposarcoma, such as a lump, swelling, or pain in the limbs or abdomen.
